jdt33425

Hi All, I am currently a second year doctoral candidate at a highly ranked history program (this is relevant, I promise). I recently changed advisors. So far as my work goes it was the best decision I could have possibly made. I love the work I am doing now, it has all clicked in to place. I recently, however, had an odd conversation with my new advisor. This advisor was really excited to work with me on the basis of a research project that I did with her after I had already been here for two semesters. She did not participate in vetting my original application to the dept, etc. She was likely aware to some degree that I am what the university calls a "traditionally underrepresented student," but I do not think she was aware of my specific socio-economic and educational background (basically dirt poor and struggled working full-time to get through undergrad at a non-ranked, satellite state school). So, that awkward conversation...involved this new advisor saying some very classist/disparaging things about students from my particular background. It was not done in a particularly vicious manner, it was just off-hand remarks, commonsense that students from particular backgrounds and/or at certain institutions are just not as promising. I was so taken aback that I basically got out of the conversation ASAP. I am unsure how to move forward. On the one hand, I genuinely like my advisor. We work well together, and she will be an asset moving toward the job market. She is very involved, dedicated, and proactive about my research and professionalization. On the other hand, I am not keen about working with someone who is completely unaware of where I am coming from, or that thinks students who lack opportunity are "not as promising." I have never had an advisor who is not also an underrepresented person, so I am just at a loss. Would it be ok to talk about this with my advisor? I do not want to come off like I am accusing her of anything, because I am not, but I do want to stand up for myself, and where I come from. I know she was not speaking about me personally, but those stereotypes are damaging. I struggle everyday to quiet that nagging voice that says I am just "not as promising" as my peers. Even after getting into a highly ranked, Ivy League program, I still struggle to believe that someone like me really belongs here. Also, at times, I need slightly different mentoring that students who come from more traditional backgrounds, and I want her to understand that. Any thoughts/sharing of similar situations/etc are much appreciated. Thanks!